Chapter 3, Problem 3F.17E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Ratio of potential energies for interaction of water molecule with ${\text{Al}}^{3+}$ ion and ${\text{Be}}^{2+}$ ion has to be determined. Also, ion that attracts water molecules more strongly has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The expression to calculate potential energy of interaction is as follows:

  $E_{\text{p}}=-\frac{\left|z\right|\mu }{r^2}$        (1)

Here,

$E_{\text{p}}$ is potential energy.

$z$ is charge number of ion.

$\mu$ is dipole moment.

$r$ is distance of separation.